Emperor Ruizong of Tang

Reign: 684 – 690; 710 – 712
Life: 662–716

During his second reign after his mother's death, significant power and influence was exercised by his sister Princess Taiping. Emperor Ruizong, however, was a hollow figurehead under control of his mother and had no real power, even nominally, his name was not included in the issued documents or orders. He was not even able to move freely around his private residence, let alone attend to governmental affairs. She issued a decree that ended the Tang dynasty and founded the Zhou dynasty.

During Emperor Ruizong of Tang's reign, Theuderic III ruled France, Justinian II ruled Rome, and Empress Jitō ruled Japan.

Want to learn more? Further reading

China: A History by John Keay

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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